The Ural Mountains – Located on the western side of Europe, these mountains create the boundary between West/Easter Russia as well as Europe and Asia.
The Caucasus Mountains – Between the Black and Caspian Seas, holding the highest point in Russia, Mt. Elbrus at 18,510 ft.
Ural Mountains
Plains and Plateaus:
Central Siberian Plateau – The largest plateau in Russia is located in Central Russia.
Northern European Plain – Located in western Russia, this land is home to chernozem (rich, fertile soil).
West Siberian Plain – The largest area of flat land in the world (~1 million sq. mi.) is west of the Siberia, but east of the Ural Mountains.
Siberia
Water System:
Volga River – The longest, most important river in Russia, connecting Moscow and the Caspian Sea, is also known as Mother Volga.
Siberian Rivers – These five Rivers are located in Siberia (eastern Russia): Ob’, Irtysh, Yenisey, Lena, and Amur.
Lake Baikal – This lake is in southern Siberia and contains 20% of the world’s freshwater.
Volga River
Climate and Vegetation-
High Latitude Regions: overs most of Russia, Long cold Winters
Tundra – 10% of Russia is a vast treeless plain that includes everything north of the Arctic Circle.
Arctic Circle - Tundra
Sub-Arctic – The largest climate region is home to the world’s largest coniferous forest, the Taiga.
Taiga
Mid-Latitude Regions: This is home to most of Russia’s population and agriculture.
Humid-Continental – The Northern European Plain is located here because of its fertile land capable of providing healthy forests and farming land.
Farmland along River Volga
Steppe – Between the Black and Caspian Seas, this land has dry summers, followed by long, cold, dry winters, provides chernozem.
Population and Culture-
The People:
Russia is home to many ethnic groups, the major ethnic groups being: The Slavs, Caucasian People, Turkic People.
Most Russians live in western Russia because of the milder climate, rich soil, and numerous waterways.
Population Density of Russia
Culture:
Language – Because of its diverse ethnic groups, Russians speak a variety of different languages; the official language being Russian.
Religion – During the Soviet era, the government promoted atheism (the belief there is no God or Supreme Being). But since the fall of the Soviet Union, religion has begun to grow. The main religions are: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. On of the most famous churches is the Chuch of the Ressurection in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Church of the Ressurection - St. Petersburg
Education – The Soviet Union had free, mandatory education, focused on math and science rather than the humanities. Since its fall, the nation has been working towards a better rounded education with more options for students.
Health Care – Many government-run health facilities are run down and unable to help the increasingly ill populations.
Family Life and Leisure – Living conditions in Russia are often poor and small, most of the population living in small apartments and/or with extended family members. Sports, concerts, and ballet, are popular entertainment for all ages.
Arts – Religion was a huge influence on the arts, inspiring the unique churches. Russian is home to many famous painters, composers, poets, etc. One of the most famous musicals being the Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky.
Costume Design for the Nutcrakcer
History and Government:
Revolution and Change-
The Russian Revolution – In the middle 1800s, the Russian government introduced a policy called Russification, inciting the people to speak Russian and become Christian; if you didn’t, you persecuted. The citizens of Russia were not happy with Russification, leading them into Socialism, a belief of economic equality. This revolt led to strikes and protests during the early 1900s, and WWI only added to their demand. The czar stepped down, leading to the start of communism in Russia.
The Soviet Era – The Bolsheviks, a rebel group led by Vladimir Lenin, gained control after the czar stepped down. With this power, they took control over the industries, food distribution, farming, and factories. There was a Civil war against the Bolsheviks, won by them, in 1922. This started the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), slowing taking control over surrounding countries. Anyone who disagreed with the USSR’s government, was either killed or sent to labor camps.
Vladimir Lenin
A Superpower – The USSR had become a world power during WWII, controlling many surrounding countries called satellites (countries controlled by the Soviet Union). They were then involved in the Cold War with the United States, a war of Capitalism versus Communism. It was a war of who had the most power, especially in nuclear weapons.
Nuclear Bomb Test
Movements for Change –
The Fall of the Soviet Union – A dwindling economy and unhappy workers led to the fall of the USSR. A government official encouraged the reform, and began the national restructure. Many satellites claimed independence, leading to the fall of Communism in 1991. Boris Yeltsin became the first elected leader of Russia.
International officials applaude Gobachev after the fall of the Soviet Union
A New Russia – One of the greatest, and hardest transitions for Russia has been the change from a command to a market economy, leading to drastic unemployment. The economy is healing, but it’s a long road because of the renditions to old factories, agriculture, and the lack of technological advances. Ethnic diversity has led to war for the want of independence.
The Economy –
Economic Activities:
Agriculture – During the Soviet Era, farms were runs by the government who controlled prices and production. This made the workers very unmotivated, and unhappy. Even with the restructuring of the economy, many have still acted like Soviet factories because farmers are too poor to buy land. Because of this, change to a market economy for the land’s agriculture has been slow. New reforms have been making it easier for farmers to buy farmland, helping the economy fulfill its everyday need of food.
Industry – The economic focus of the USSR was its aerospace and military industries. This has provided many successes and accomplishments for Russia as well as recently provided income by selling stocks world-wide. Russia’s industries are now expanding to petroleum, an abundant natural resource located in Russia, along with minerals and gems.
Russian Advances in the Aerospace Industry led Yuri Gagarin to be the First Person in Space
Transportation and Communications:
Transporting Goods – Because of Russia’s vast land, resources and goods must travel far. Major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg are linked by a highway system, but many roads are damaged. This leads Russia to depend on its Trans-Siberian Railroad system (The world’s largest continuous railroad line) and its waterways that connect major cities. Pipelines are helpful for transporting petroleum across Russia and Europe.
Trans-Siberian Railroad
Transporting People – Public transportation is very important to Russians because many live in cities and rely on the trains, buses, and subways. Some people own cars, but it isn’t necessary because of the available public transportation. Jet airplanes are used for longer distances, but that has been decreasing because of the higher prices.
Mass Communications – The USSR controlled all mass communication systems, looking for and governmental criticism. Since the fall of the USSR, Russians have had more freedom in that regard. Many Russians are enjoying the “boom” in cell phone and internet services.
Trade and Interdependence:
Trade – Russia’s energy and fuel has helped its economy, counting for a majority of its exports, trading with nearby countries in Asia and Europe. Russia joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in hope to fortify its economy.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
International Relations – Russia is part of the United Nations Security Council and a European Organization that supports security and cooperation, sustaining its part in international activities. It also helps countries in need during peace struggles.
Global Issues-
Pollution:During the Soviet Era, there were no regulations or restrictions on the control of pollution factories were putting off into the world’s air, water, and soil.
Air Pollution – The air quality is very poor all over Russia, caused by: industries, burning coal, vehicle emissions, etc.
Air Pollution caused by Industrilization
Water Pollution – Industrialization has caused pollution many rivers and likes by fertilizer, sewage, and radioactive waste.
Sewage Polluting a Waterway
Soil Pollution –Toxic waste has been a huge contributor to Russia’s soil pollution along with petroleum pipelines, cracked storage containers, fertilizers, and pesticides.
An Example of Toxic Waste that is Polluting the Soil
Bibliography-
--Images: Encyclopedia Britannica, Google Images
--Information: World [[#|Geography]] and Cultures Textbook
History and Government: Revolution and Change- The Russian Revolution – In the middle 1800s, the Russian government introduced a policy called Russification, inciting the people to speak Russian and become Christian; if you didn’t, you were persecuted. The citizens of Russia were not happy with Russification, leading them into Socialism, a belief of economic equality. This revolt led to strikes and protests during the early 1900s, and WWI only added to their demand. The czar stepped down, leading to the start of communism in Russia. The Soviet Era – The Bolsheviks, a rebel group led by Vladimir Lenin, gained control after the czar stepped down. With this [[#|power]], they took control over the industries, food distribution, farming, and factories. There was a Civil war against the Bolsheviks, won by them, in 1922. This started the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), slowing taking control over surrounding countries. Anyone who disagreed with the USSR’s government, was either killed or sent to labor camps. A Superpower – The USSR had become a world [[#|power]] during WWII, controlling many surrounding countries called satellites (countries controlled by the Soviet Union). They were then involved in the Cold War with the United States, a war of Capitalism versus Communism. It was a war of who had the most [[#|power]], especially in nuclear weapons.
Movements for Change – The Fall of the Soviet Union – A dwindling economy and unhappy workers led to the fall of the USSR. A government official encouraged the reform, and began the national restructure. Many satellites claimed independence, leading to the fall of Communism in 1991. Boris Yeltsin became the first elected leader of Russia. A New Russia – One of the greatest, and hardest transitions for Russia has been the change from a command to a market economy, leading to drastic [[#|unemployment]]. The economy is healing, but it’s a long road because of the renditions to old factories, agriculture, and the lack of technological advances. Ethnic diversity has led to war for the want of greater rule.
Russia Wiki
Grace Bailey
Land Forms-
Mountains:
The Ural Mountains – Located on the western side of Europe, these mountains create the boundary between West/Easter Russia as well as Europe and Asia.
The Caucasus Mountains – Between the Black and Caspian Seas, holding the highest point in Russia, Mt. Elbrus at 18,510 ft.
Plains and Plateaus:
Central Siberian Plateau – The largest plateau in Russia is located in Central Russia.
Northern European Plain – Located in western Russia, this land is home to chernozem (rich, fertile soil).
West Siberian Plain – The largest area of flat land in the world (~1 million sq. mi.) is west of the Siberia, but east of the Ural Mountains.
Water System:
Volga River – The longest, most important river in Russia, connecting Moscow and the Caspian Sea, is also known as Mother Volga.
Siberian Rivers – These five Rivers are located in Siberia (eastern Russia): Ob’, Irtysh, Yenisey, Lena, and Amur.
Lake Baikal – This lake is in southern Siberia and contains 20% of the world’s freshwater.
Climate and Vegetation-
High Latitude Regions: overs most of Russia, Long cold Winters
Tundra – 10% of Russia is a vast treeless plain that includes everything north of the Arctic Circle.
Sub-Arctic – The largest climate region is home to the world’s largest coniferous forest, the Taiga.
Mid-Latitude Regions: This is home to most of Russia’s population and agriculture.
Humid-Continental – The Northern European Plain is located here because of its fertile land capable of providing healthy forests and farming land.
Steppe – Between the Black and Caspian Seas, this land has dry summers, followed by long, cold, dry winters, provides chernozem.
Population and Culture-
The People:
Russia is home to many ethnic groups, the major ethnic groups being: The Slavs, Caucasian People, Turkic People.
Most Russians live in western Russia because of the milder climate, rich soil, and numerous waterways.
Culture:
Language – Because of its diverse ethnic groups, Russians speak a variety of different languages; the official language being Russian.
Religion – During the Soviet era, the government promoted atheism (the belief there is no God or Supreme Being). But since the fall of the Soviet Union, religion has begun to grow. The main religions are: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. On of the most famous churches is the Chuch of the Ressurection in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Education – The Soviet Union had free, mandatory education, focused on math and science rather than the humanities. Since its fall, the nation has been working towards a better rounded education with more options for students.
Health Care – Many government-run health facilities are run down and unable to help the increasingly ill populations.
Family Life and Leisure – Living conditions in Russia are often poor and small, most of the population living in small apartments and/or with extended family members. Sports, concerts, and ballet, are popular entertainment for all ages.
Arts – Religion was a huge influence on the arts, inspiring the unique churches. Russian is home to many famous painters, composers, poets, etc. One of the most famous musicals being the Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky.
History and Government:
Revolution and Change-
The Russian Revolution – In the middle 1800s, the Russian government introduced a policy called Russification, inciting the people to speak Russian and become Christian; if you didn’t, you persecuted. The citizens of Russia were not happy with Russification, leading them into Socialism, a belief of economic equality. This revolt led to strikes and protests during the early 1900s, and WWI only added to their demand. The czar stepped down, leading to the start of communism in Russia.
The Soviet Era – The Bolsheviks, a rebel group led by Vladimir Lenin, gained control after the czar stepped down. With this power, they took control over the industries, food distribution, farming, and factories. There was a Civil war against the Bolsheviks, won by them, in 1922. This started the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), slowing taking control over surrounding countries. Anyone who disagreed with the USSR’s government, was either killed or sent to labor camps.
A Superpower – The USSR had become a world power during WWII, controlling many surrounding countries called satellites (countries controlled by the Soviet Union). They were then involved in the Cold War with the United States, a war of Capitalism versus Communism. It was a war of who had the most power, especially in nuclear weapons.
Movements for Change –
The Fall of the Soviet Union – A dwindling economy and unhappy workers led to the fall of the USSR. A government official encouraged the reform, and began the national restructure. Many satellites claimed independence, leading to the fall of Communism in 1991. Boris Yeltsin became the first elected leader of Russia.
A New Russia – One of the greatest, and hardest transitions for Russia has been the change from a command to a market economy, leading to drastic unemployment. The economy is healing, but it’s a long road because of the renditions to old factories, agriculture, and the lack of technological advances. Ethnic diversity has led to war for the want of independence.
The Economy –
Economic Activities:
Agriculture – During the Soviet Era, farms were runs by the government who controlled prices and production. This made the workers very unmotivated, and unhappy. Even with the restructuring of the economy, many have still acted like Soviet factories because farmers are too poor to buy land. Because of this, change to a market economy for the land’s agriculture has been slow. New reforms have been making it easier for farmers to buy farmland, helping the economy fulfill its everyday need of food.
Industry – The economic focus of the USSR was its aerospace and military industries. This has provided many successes and accomplishments for Russia as well as recently provided income by selling stocks world-wide. Russia’s industries are now expanding to petroleum, an abundant natural resource located in Russia, along with minerals and gems.
Transportation and Communications:
Transporting Goods – Because of Russia’s vast land, resources and goods must travel far. Major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg are linked by a highway system, but many roads are damaged. This leads Russia to depend on its Trans-Siberian Railroad system (The world’s largest continuous railroad line) and its waterways that connect major cities. Pipelines are helpful for transporting petroleum across Russia and Europe.
Transporting People – Public transportation is very important to Russians because many live in cities and rely on the trains, buses, and subways. Some people own cars, but it isn’t necessary because of the available public transportation. Jet airplanes are used for longer distances, but that has been decreasing because of the higher prices.
Mass Communications – The USSR controlled all mass communication systems, looking for and governmental criticism. Since the fall of the USSR, Russians have had more freedom in that regard. Many Russians are enjoying the “boom” in cell phone and internet services.
Trade and Interdependence:
Trade – Russia’s energy and fuel has helped its economy, counting for a majority of its exports, trading with nearby countries in Asia and Europe. Russia joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in hope to fortify its economy.
International Relations – Russia is part of the United Nations Security Council and a European Organization that supports security and cooperation, sustaining its part in international activities. It also helps countries in need during peace struggles.
Global Issues-
Pollution:During the Soviet Era, there were no regulations or restrictions on the control of pollution factories were putting off into the world’s air, water, and soil.
Air Pollution – The air quality is very poor all over Russia, caused by: industries, burning coal, vehicle emissions, etc.
Water Pollution – Industrialization has caused pollution many rivers and likes by fertilizer, sewage, and radioactive waste.
Soil Pollution –Toxic waste has been a huge contributor to Russia’s soil pollution along with petroleum pipelines, cracked storage containers, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Bibliography-
--Images: Encyclopedia Britannica, Google Images
--Information: World [[#|Geography]] and Cultures Textbook
History and Government:
Revolution and Change-
The Russian Revolution – In the middle 1800s, the Russian government introduced a policy called Russification, inciting the people to speak Russian and become Christian; if you didn’t, you were persecuted. The citizens of Russia were not happy with Russification, leading them into Socialism, a belief of economic equality. This revolt led to strikes and protests during the early 1900s, and WWI only added to their demand. The czar stepped down, leading to the start of communism in Russia.
The Soviet Era – The Bolsheviks, a rebel group led by Vladimir Lenin, gained control after the czar stepped down. With this [[#|power]], they took control over the industries, food distribution, farming, and factories. There was a Civil war against the Bolsheviks, won by them, in 1922. This started the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), slowing taking control over surrounding countries. Anyone who disagreed with the USSR’s government, was either killed or sent to labor camps.
A Superpower – The USSR had become a world [[#|power]] during WWII, controlling many surrounding countries called satellites (countries controlled by the Soviet Union). They were then involved in the Cold War with the United States, a war of Capitalism versus Communism. It was a war of who had the most [[#|power]], especially in nuclear weapons.
Movements for Change –
The Fall of the Soviet Union – A dwindling economy and unhappy workers led to the fall of the USSR. A government official encouraged the reform, and began the national restructure. Many satellites claimed independence, leading to the fall of Communism in 1991. Boris Yeltsin became the first elected leader of Russia.
A New Russia – One of the greatest, and hardest transitions for Russia has been the change from a command to a market economy, leading to drastic [[#|unemployment]]. The economy is healing, but it’s a long road because of the renditions to old factories, agriculture, and the lack of technological advances. Ethnic diversity has led to war for the want of greater rule.